It’s time to file for city council, school board, and township offices

Now is the chance for anyone interested in stepping up and serving for a public office. This is the big year for local elections. There are seats open to serve on Vermilion City Council, Vermilion Local School Board, Vermilion Township, and Brownhelm Township. Candidates who will be running for these positions in the November 7 General Election must file at the appropriate boards of election by Wednesday, August 9, at 4 p.m.

Vermilion City Council has all seven seats open for council president, council-at-large, and council representatives for all five city wards: Ward I, Ward II, Ward III, Ward IV, and Ward V. Councilman Fred Ostrander who currently represents Ward I will not be vying for this seat because he is running for mayor of Vermilion on the November ballot. Councilman Jim Forthofer who represents Ward III will not be filing for this seat because he is also running for mayor of Vermilion in November. Candidates who would like to run for any one of these seven positions must pick up petitions at the Lorain County Board of Elections and circulate them for signatures. Council members serve two-year terms.

The Vermilion Local Schools Board of Education has two seats open with Chris Habermehl and Sara Stepp ending their terms this year. Candidates who would be interested in running for those positions can pick up their applications at the Erie County Board of Elections. Board members serve for four years.
As far as Vermilion Township trustee, there will be two seats open with Ron Dickel and Charles Trinter having their terms expire this year. Trustees serve four-year terms. Anyone interested in being a trustee can pick up a petition at the Erie County Board of Elections.

In Brownhelm Township, there are two positions open to serve as a trustee. Trustees Orrin Leimbach and Jim Northeim both have terms ending this year. Brownhelm trustees serve four-year terms. Candidates who are interested in running should go to the Lorain County Board of Elections.

Those filing for office by August 9 would be on the November 7 ballot with their terms starting in January of 2018 if successfully elected by the voters.
The Lorain County Board of Elections is located at 1985 North Ridge Road East, Lorain. The Erie County Board of Elections is located at 2900 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky.